Wellness and Self-care for Immigration Professionals

Experiencing Vicarious Trauma

Direct legal work with clients can be both rewarding and emotionally challenging. When working with individuals who have experienced trauma -- whether at the border, in a detention center, or elsewhere -- it is important to be aware of your own emotional responses. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the term “secondary trauma” refers to the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms caused by at least one indirect exposure to traumatic material. This means that the traumatic stories that lawyers and other direct service providers hear from clients can cause an indirect trauma response. In the following 12 minute podcast, Penelope Young Andrade, a psychotherapist specializing in managing anxiety, depression, and trauma without medication, offers ten self-care reminders for immigration volunteers experiencing vicarious trauma.

Penelope Young Andrade, LCSW, has been a psychotherapist specializing in managing anxiety, depression, and trauma without medication for over 30 years. She is the author of "Emotional Medicine Rx: Cry When You're Sad, Stop When You're Done, Feel Good Fast" (2011) and has helped countless clients heal after experiencing trauma or vicarious trauma. This podcast is used with the author's permission.